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Daily Mail has ranked Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen “the world’s best No.9, ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
In a report by one of Daily Mail’s writers Tom Collomosse titled ‘Victor Osimhen – the world’s best No 9 – is driving a feverish club and city on to their first Serie A title in 33 years…’ one the news outlet stated that despite scoring lesser goals than Haaland, was a more complete striker than the Norwegian.
Collomosse wrote, “No footballer will be idolised in Naples quite as Maradona was but if Napoli win the league this season, Osimhen will come pretty close.
“He may not be quite as prolific as Haaland – who is? – but Osimhen is a more complete No 9. Sporting a protective mask after breaking his cheekbone and eye socket in November 2021, the 24-year-old even looks like a superhero.
He has 16 goals in 17 Serie A appearances this term but there is so much more to his game. His speed terrifies defenders, as does his strength.”
Collomosse added that Osimhen’s qualities stood him out as the ideal Premier League No.9.
“Unlike Haaland, he links play superbly and has developed a deadly understanding with fellow attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, another of Europe’s top players this season.
Roaring his team on from sidelines after he had been substituted during a recent win over Roma, Osimhen showed himself to be natural leader.
“His goal in that game – controlling the ball on his chest and knee before despatching a sweet volley – was one of the best in Europe’s top five leagues this season. Osimhen’s qualities make him the ideal Premier League No 9 but he would not come cheap,” Collomosse wrote.
“Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted this week that Osimhen was not for sale and the Napoli owner, with his impressive sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli at his side, is known as one of the game’s most ferocious negotiators.
“Agents and sporting directors who tried – and failed – to sign stars like Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens in their prime break out in a cold sweat when recalling talks with Napoli.
It will be no different when they come for Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia this summer.
“Expect Osimhen, whose contract expires in two years, to come under serious pressure from supporters to sign a new deal.
“Yet nearly every elite player today craves the challenge of the Premier League. With United and Chelsea badly lacking a No9, it promises to be a busy summer.
One thing is certain: an Osimhen vs Haaland duel would be something to savour.”